The Acute Effects of Nut Ingestion on Plasma Levels of Polyphenol Compounds, Biomarkers of Antioxidant Status, and Lipid Peroxidation

<p>Nuts are rich sources of polyphenolic compounds and nutrients, which have antioxidant capacity. To assess the acute effect of treatment diet (75% of energy from nuts (walnut or almond) and control diet (habitual diet with no nut consumption) in healthy subjects on plasma total phenol content, antioxidant capacity and plasma lipid peroxidation. Thirteen subjects participated in the crossover design study. After an overnight fast, walnut, almond and a control diet, in form of smoothies, were consumed by the study subjects. Each subject participated on three occasions one week apart, consuming one of the smoothies each time. Blood samples were obtained at intervals up to 3.5h after consumption of the smoothies. Results showed that within 90 minutes of consumption of the walnut and almond, there was a significant increase in plasma total phenol content. Antioxidant capacity of plasma determined by the ferric reducing capacity of plasma (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) reached its highest point at 150 min post-consumption of nut diet. Also, a gradual reduction in the susceptibility of plasma to lipid peroxidation was observed 90 minutes after nut diets. No changes were observed following consumption of control diet. We concluded that consumption of nuts raises total phenol concentration, enhances the antioxidant capacity of plasma, and reduces plasma lipid peroxidation. These findings conclude that in addition to the favorable lipid profile of nuts, their phenolic content must now be considered as a potential contributor to the apparent antithrombic, antioxidant, anti-ischemic effects as well.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nutrition

Year

2006

Author dc:creator

• Esfahani, Setareh Torabian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ella H. Haddad
• Sujatha Rajaram
• Joan Sabate

• Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition
• Laboratory and Basic Science Research
• Lipids
• Nutrition
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Diet; Nutrition; Antioxidants -- metabolism; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated -- blood; Lipids -- metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases -- prevention and control; Neoplasms -- prevention and control.

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1465

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-2237